Study in Spain
1,800+ English-taught programmes and nine universities in the QS top 450. Public tuition stays under €2,500 a year, with a one-year job-search permit after graduation.
Top universities
| University | QS 2026 | Tuition / year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Barcelona | 160 | €1,500–€3,000 |
| Autònoma de Barcelona | 201–210 | €1,400–€2,500 |
| Autónoma de Madrid | 206 | €1,200–€2,800 |
| Complutense Madrid | 251–300 | €1,000–€2,500 |
| Navarra | 262 | €10,000–€15,400 |
| Pompeu Fabra | 265 | €2,000–€5,000 |
| Carlos III | 301 | €1,500–€4,000 |
| Politécnica de Madrid | 334 | €1,500–€3,000 |
Programmes and what they cost
Non-EU rates. Public and private institutions are priced very differently — check which one you are looking at.
| Route | Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Masters (MS)200+ English-taught masters; bachelor’s at 60% or CGPA 6.0–7.5. | €1,000–€9,000 public · €25,000–€70,000 at IE, ESADE and IESE | 1–2 years |
| MBAIESE, ESADE and IE all sit in the global top 25. Median salaries €92,000–€105,000. | €19,650–€93,500 | 10–18 months |
| Bachelors | €900–€2,500 public | 4 years |
Costs, visa and rules
Visa and permits
After you arriveGet your NIE number, then apply for the TIE residence card within 30 days of arriving.
How to apply, step by step
- 1Get the NIE first
The foreigner ID number gates everything else once you land — bank account, contract, TIE.
- 2Meet the language bar
IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90 for English-taught programmes; DELE or SIELE at B2 for Spanish-taught ones.
- 3Sit the GMAT for business schools
600–650+ at the top schools. IE accepts its own ieGAT instead.
- 4Start homologation early
Recognition of your degree costs €166.50 and takes 6–18 months. Only worth starting if your career needs a regulated title.
- 5Pick your region on cost
Andalusia, Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha are the cheapest for both tuition and rent.
Working and staying on
12-month job-search permit
After 5 years. An EU Blue Card (€39,249/yr) shortens it to 33 months, or 21 with B1 Spanish.
What to know before you apply
Apply for your TIE residence card within 30 days of arriving; the NIE number comes first and gates everything else.
Degree homologation costs €166.50 and takes 6–18 months — start it early if your career needs a regulated title.
Andalusia, Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha are the cheapest regions for both tuition and rent.
DELE or SIELE Spanish certification widens your options well beyond the English-taught list.
Scholarships
Other destinations
Applying for the next intake?
Deadlines close months before term starts. Get your timeline mapped this week.